David777
Well-known Member
- Location
- Silicon Valley
SF needs a general smartphone purchasing thread discussing newer models. Given the recent rise of AI, there is now much new smartphone technology rising every month. As recent threads have noted, technology is advancing so quickly, almost all of us, technically savvy or not, are being left behind understanding enough even to cope, overwhelmed by the amount of new gear and features.
Have decided to replace my dated 2018 Motorola g6 smartphone, a modest low end model. As one of many seniors that is not smartphone or post smartphone social media oriented, I don't use most of the popular "apps" so many others do nor use my phone that much daily. As a long time computer user from the earliest era, have always been more desktop oriented doing real computer work using larger monitors and real keyboard/mouse.
But today, smartphones have matured in numbers of ways that will make the jump to this newer generation. Of particular interest is the highest level camera technology using multiple lenses. Originally, smartphone cameras were just fixed aperture, wide angle. Although my primary camera this last decade plus has been the Sony APS-c e-mount a6000/a6700 system, I've always used small compact digital cameras for more convenient, informational subjects and when resort skiing. Have gone through 5 such models and have been using a dated Canon ELPH 190 with a 10x zoom.
The new high end smartphones are using multiple sensors with varying apertures, and zoom ranges including medium telephoto. After going through considerable web information have found the one I am likely to purchase, the SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Cell Phone, 128GB Smartphone, that has a current Amazon price of $720 in the Mint color. This is the smallest of 4 Galaxy models with just a 6.2 inch diagonal screen size, 5.78x2.78x0.28 inches with 2340x1080 pixels, and 162 grams or 5.7 ounces.
My moto g6 is just 1440x720 pixels so much more detail. My ELPH 190 weighs 4.87 ounces or hardly less than the S25 that takes much better photos with only slightly less zoom range. A brother has the older Samsung Galaxy S24 FE that I have carefully looked at its images I am now convinced is the better tool. Although images have higher quality, such is vastly less than the fidelity of what I can post process from blended shots with my a6700. Additionally while skiing, others won't be bothering me about not being able to phone me on slopes. Because of superior exposure control, should be able to capture much better bright contrasty snow landscapes easier and with more fidelity.
https://www.amazon.com/Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-ProScaler-Manufacturer/dp/B0DP3FP5P3/ref=sr_1_3
I don't play video games, nor do real work with my phone, so the small device size is fine with being able to fit in my pocket with less weight, more important. Significantly, the actual camera functions are the same for all 4 Galaxy models, so will not be losing anything there. I'll wait till later this fall for a sale, maybe about the Black Friday time period. Some of these models given the fast pace of AI integration, may also have software version updates by then.

Have decided to replace my dated 2018 Motorola g6 smartphone, a modest low end model. As one of many seniors that is not smartphone or post smartphone social media oriented, I don't use most of the popular "apps" so many others do nor use my phone that much daily. As a long time computer user from the earliest era, have always been more desktop oriented doing real computer work using larger monitors and real keyboard/mouse.
But today, smartphones have matured in numbers of ways that will make the jump to this newer generation. Of particular interest is the highest level camera technology using multiple lenses. Originally, smartphone cameras were just fixed aperture, wide angle. Although my primary camera this last decade plus has been the Sony APS-c e-mount a6000/a6700 system, I've always used small compact digital cameras for more convenient, informational subjects and when resort skiing. Have gone through 5 such models and have been using a dated Canon ELPH 190 with a 10x zoom.
The new high end smartphones are using multiple sensors with varying apertures, and zoom ranges including medium telephoto. After going through considerable web information have found the one I am likely to purchase, the SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Cell Phone, 128GB Smartphone, that has a current Amazon price of $720 in the Mint color. This is the smallest of 4 Galaxy models with just a 6.2 inch diagonal screen size, 5.78x2.78x0.28 inches with 2340x1080 pixels, and 162 grams or 5.7 ounces.
My moto g6 is just 1440x720 pixels so much more detail. My ELPH 190 weighs 4.87 ounces or hardly less than the S25 that takes much better photos with only slightly less zoom range. A brother has the older Samsung Galaxy S24 FE that I have carefully looked at its images I am now convinced is the better tool. Although images have higher quality, such is vastly less than the fidelity of what I can post process from blended shots with my a6700. Additionally while skiing, others won't be bothering me about not being able to phone me on slopes. Because of superior exposure control, should be able to capture much better bright contrasty snow landscapes easier and with more fidelity.
https://www.amazon.com/Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-ProScaler-Manufacturer/dp/B0DP3FP5P3/ref=sr_1_3
I don't play video games, nor do real work with my phone, so the small device size is fine with being able to fit in my pocket with less weight, more important. Significantly, the actual camera functions are the same for all 4 Galaxy models, so will not be losing anything there. I'll wait till later this fall for a sale, maybe about the Black Friday time period. Some of these models given the fast pace of AI integration, may also have software version updates by then.
